SEMA 2012: Truckin Takeover

Storming Vegas with More Trucks Than Ever Before

One week each fall, the automotive aftermarket grinds to a halt and heads to Sin City for the world's largest custom vehicle trade show: SEMA. Though this gargantuan show is always packed with modified rides of every variety, this year experienced a distinct increase in the number of trucks, proving once again that the truck-building scene is alive and well. The massive show is held at the Las Vegas Convention center, with hundreds of vehicles on display to the public outside, and even more inside the industry-only indoor sections.

Our very own Truckin Corral outside held more than 30 incredible custom trucks, ranging from slammed to the ground to lifted sky-high. We also unveiled three newly completed projects: Project Blue Bomber, Project Lead Sled, and the Masterlock Ultimate Work Truck F-150. Our new F-150 Ecoboost Project was even on display in Ford's booth inside the main hall. Needless to say, this was a fantastic year for truck enthusiasts, and the show left us excited about 2013 and all the new projects it will bring.

With over 30 badass trucks of every size and shape, the Truckin Corral drew onlookers all week long.

With over 30 badass trucks of every size and shape, the Truckin Corral drew onlookers all

Walking through the inner halls of the show, we were greeted by many beautiful booth babes showing off their respective products.

Walking through the inner halls of the show, we were greeted by many beautiful booth babes

On display in Toyo’s booth, this silver and green Raptor was perched carefully on a platform full of bolts.

On display in Toyo’s booth, this silver and green Raptor was perched carefully on a platfo

This post-apocalyptic Tundra from Level 7 is one of the baddest Toyotas we’ve seen in years. Keep an eye out for it in a future issue.

This post-apocalyptic Tundra from Level 7 is one of the baddest Toyotas we’ve seen in year

Those of you that read our 2012 SEMA preview may remember this ultra-clean ’67 C10, known as Shameless. It was on display for the first time at the show, complete with custom Porterbuilt frame, shaved unibody, and suicide doors.

Those of you that read our 2012 SEMA preview may remember this ultra-clean ’67 C10, known

This lowrider-style Tahoe was packed with jaw-dropping attention to detail. The wheel lips, engine bay, suspension, and undercarriage were covered in intricately engraved chrome.

This lowrider-style Tahoe was packed with jaw-dropping attention to detail. The wheel lips

Editor’s Choice—Maxwell Matthewson 2012 Ram 3500 Longhorn • Tim Nicolau This was by far one of the coolest lifted trucks at SEMA. What’s not to love about a 2012 Ram Longhorn with a 10-inch lift, 37-inch tires, and a copper-plated suspension?

Putting the boost in EcoBoost, this F-150 was outfitted with a 500hp Full Race single turbo setup.

Putting the boost in EcoBoost, this F-150 was outfitted with a 500hp Full Race single turb

It’s not often that you see a semitruck converted into a race vehicle, so this Pike’s Peak racing Freightliner put a big smile on our faces. Its heavily modified midmounted diesel engine sounded mean even at idle.

It’s not often that you see a semitruck converted into a race vehicle, so this Pike’s Peak

The Truckin Corral was easy to spot outside the convention center’s south hall, and was filled with many of the show’s finest fullsize trucks.

The Truckin Corral was easy to spot outside the convention center’s south hall, and was fi

Editor’s Choice—Dan Ward 2011 GMC Sierra • Eddie Stokes Clean, custom, and completely driveable, Eddie’s truck is the epitome of doing things to the max, while letting the work speak for itself. With a supercharged engine, big brakes, and custom chassis, the truck has the right look yet isn’t screaming for attention—absolutely stunning.

Owner of the ’67 C10 “The Show,” Angels’ second baseman Howie Kendrick, brought out his new project truck this year: a Duramax-powered satin silver Hummer H1.

Owner of the ’67 C10 “The Show,” Angels’ second baseman Howie Kendrick, brought out his ne

Extreme Offroad of Katy, Texas, rolled deep with several trucks on display, including this towering matte blue Tahoe.

Extreme Offroad of Katy, Texas, rolled deep with several trucks on display, including this

Another insane creation from Chassis by Aaron in Covina, California, this smooth black Silverado tucked 24-inch Bonspeeds up front and 26s in the back.

Another insane creation from Chassis by Aaron in Covina, California, this smooth black Sil

Editor’s Choice—Patrick McCarthy 2011 Chevrolet Silverado • Tim Coltey While I realize choosing one of our own project trucks may seem biased, I just can’t help but love how this base-model Silverado has transformed into a tire-shredding muscle truck. It’s got big billet Raceline wheels, an aggressive static drop, and a 430-rear-wheel-horsepower supercharged LS engine, but with factory blue paint and subtle bodywork, it’s the perfect blend of custom and classy.

Never before seen in public, we unveiled our Ultimate Work Truck project F-150 at the show. With custom forged Fuel wheels, tough Flog bumpers, and a plethora of lighting upgrades, it looked ready for any obstacle.

Never before seen in public, we unveiled our Ultimate Work Truck project F-150 at the show

Owner Justin Veit brought out his two new Ram projects, a 1500 and a 3500 dualie. Both feature big lifts, American Force wheels, Nitto tires, and flip-flopped black and white paintjobs.

Owner Justin Veit brought out his two new Ram projects, a 1500 and a 3500 dualie. Both fea

Owner Justin Veit brought out his two new Ram projects, a 1500 and a 3500 dualie. Both feature big lifts, American Force wheels, Nitto tires, and flip-flopped black and white paintjobs.

Owner Justin Veit brought out his two new Ram projects, a 1500 and a 3500 dualie. Both fea

Pro Motorsports, from Scottsdale, Arizona, brought out this gargantuan luxury SportChassis. Even the biggest fullsizes looked small in comparison to this beast.